About Us
Vision, Mission & Values
Building a Future Free of Gender-Based Violence
Moving into our next 50 years, we have big ambitions. Here’s how we intend to ensure that both our current clients and future generations are equipped for a brighter future.
Our Vision
Nellie’s vision is to be a place where every woman* and her child(ren) who step through our doors finds a pathway to a violence-free life, and to advocate to ensure gender-based violence and oppression is a relic of the past.
Our Mission
Nellie’s breaks the cycle of gender-based oppression through our unwavering commitment to offering a safe refuge for women and their children fleeing violence, poverty, and homelessness. Beyond safe housing, we empower women with advocacy, strength and support-based programming, enabling them to create a new path for life, free from the barriers of violence and oppression.
Our Values
Our values guide us in everything we do as we work toward achieving our vision.
Empowerment
We believe in the inherent strength and resilience of every woman we serve. Empowerment is at the core of our values, as we work with survivors and their children to regain their power and autonomy.
Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression
We are resolute in our stance against racism, oppression, and discrimination. We actively work to dismantle systemic prejudices and injustices that perpetuate gender-based violence, promoting a just and fair society for all.
Compassion
Compassion is the driving force behind our work. We approach every individual with empathy, sensitivity, and a commitment to healing, understanding the unique experiences and needs of each survivor.
Equity
We are committed to giving every woman equitable access to resources, support, and opportunities.
Inclusion
All women and their children are welcomed and respected. We actively work to ensure all voices are heard and valued.
Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026
Since 1973, Nellie’s has been providing shelter and support to all women and their
children fleeing violence, intimate partner abuse, trauma, and homelessness. As a leader in the gender-based violence sector, we are committed to social change through education and advocacy, and to providing vital programs and services to meet immediate, specific, and emerging needs every day.
In celebrating our story so far, our 2023-2026 strategic plan embraces the opportunities ahead, enabling us to meet both the current and future needs of those in our community with kindness, compassion, and excellence.
Empower
We will expand our efforts to disrupt cycles of violence by developing, promoting, and implementing Rock and Water and Empowerment Self-Defence (ESD) within our walls, and beyond.
Advocate & Lead
We will advocate for systems change by actively participating at policy and community tables and ensuring this work aligns with that of our Social Justice Committee.
Inspire & Engage
We will foster a healthy, vibrant organization with a stable, skilled, and engaged workforce with a strategy that supports employee recruitment, retention, development, engagement, and well-being.
Grow
We will evolve to meet current and future operational needs by updating infrastructure, policies and procedures, and bolstering program evaluations capabilities.
Our Focus on These Strategic Priorities Will:
• Support women and their children who are experiencing violence
• Build healthier, more peaceful communities
• Advocate for justice